How to Remove Workplace Distractions and Increase Productivity in a Virtual Work Environment?
By Gourab Nanda
"Work is hard. Distractions are plentiful. And time is short."
- Adam Hochschild
When we are distracted, our work quality starts to drop. We end up wasting a lot of time due to distractions. To be able to be productive, we must identify and block out these distractions. Weeding out distractions at the workplace and at an home office can make a remarkable difference in your productivity. Distractions have a deep impact on the way we work. It is crucial that we keep them in check. Every time you get distracted, it takes you 25 minutes to get back in the flow of things. How does one deal with this issue? Here are some steps to help.
First, identify factors that distract you. The most common factors contributing to distraction are as follows:
1. Web surfing: This as the highest cause of distraction while working. Since your web surfing is not checked at your home office, you end up spending more time on random searches, which wastes precious minutes. Even at your virtual office, keep your internet usage in check - set up a time to visit social media sites or do your personal web surfing. Find out the time when you are least productive and tired and need a break from work - utilize this time for doing leisure surfing. However, keep the time-spent in check.
2. Unhealthy work environment: Loud environment, household distractions, uncomfortable seating arrangement, improper lighting of your workspace - all lead to discomfort and loss of productivity. Set-up a comfortable office space in your house and ensure that your family members respect your need for privacy. These distractions can be easily avoided.
3. Not Having a schedule: Work during the most productive hours of your day and take breaks when you need rest. If you don't take a break every once in a while, you tend to be tired and might easily take random breaks that go on for a longer time. It is great to have a fixed time for lunch-hour/coffee breaks and closing time. This will also ensure that your clients don't call you during your leisure hours. The solution is to take a good look at the way you plan your day at work. Put aside a certain time to answer phone, calls, emails, etc.
Once you have a set schedule for each day, it will be easier to set a time and place for distractions. Distractions will happen. Let's not let them ruin our day. Once you begin to notice what distracts you, you will be more aware that it is an obstacle stopping you from achieving your goals and more likely to set a better time for it, or completely ignore it if it is not worth your time. Soon you will know how to overcome distractions in no time!
There will always be distractions that you cannot get rid of, but by getting rid of those that you can get rid of, you will increase your productivity and will be able to stay more motivated to work.
You know whether you are distracted or not… be honest with yourself, identify your distractions and take the necessary steps to prevent it. Yes, it requires setting boundaries and disciplining ourselves to stick to them. However, if we do these things, we become more productive and our outlook becomes more positive. Our state of mind changes, thus our physical state, financial state, and spiritual state will also change.
Join me Friday as we discover how "Time Management" can help you to overcome distractions and to be more productive and happy.
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